Leaf Loss Buds But No Blooms

Question

I have a 4 year old Winter Daphne that has become leggy and dropped all its leaves off this past winter after an ice storm and snow hit us. It was covered but now the few small buds on it haven’t bloomed for over a month. Have I lost this plant? I have another Daphne in a different location and it is thriving! Not sure if I should remove it?

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Answer 1

Since it is winter damaged, give it till June to see if new growth develops. You can test the branches to see if it is still alive. Scrape off some of the bark and if it is green underneath, it is still alive. If nothing has happened by June, you may want to try lightly pruning it to see if that rejuvenates it.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/winter-daphne/pruning-winter-daphne.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/shgen/winter-damage-of-shrubs.htm